Getting side-swiped, T-boned, or hit head-on by a commercial vehicle carrying a heavy shipment can be a harrowing experience, resulting in life-changing injuries and potentially fatal losses. When you are hurt in this kind of crash, Nevada’s personal injury laws may provide you with a path to recoup your damages. Instead of navigating this situation on your own, consider the benefits of working with a trained lawyer so that you can take time off work, go to the doctor, and spend time away from friends and family while you heal.
For decades, Shook & Stone has served as a beacon of hope for victims of overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Las Vegas as they pick up the pieces and seek relief. Our zealous Las Vegas truck accident lawyers could help you through this tumultuous time by fighting for your rights in court and during negotiations to hold the responsible party accountable.
The Dangers of Putting Too Much Cargo or Weight on a Commercial Vehicle
Because it is already bulky and immense, a semi-truck is at an increased risk of harming others and causing adverse road events when the operators pile on too much cargo. A company may try to skirt costs and reduce the number of trips it takes to complete a shipment by overloading a commercial vehicle. While this decision may seem like it is saving time, the risk of causing a dangerous crash is stark and most often not worth the potential savings. Many types of accidents can happen with an overloaded truck in Las Vegas, such as:
- A truck carrying a shipment over the legal limit has a higher chance of tipping over when making a sharp turn
- A commercial semi that is carrying too much may have difficulty stopping in time to avoid smashing into other cars on the road
- The tractor and trailer of a vehicle that is overloaded may lock up when making a sudden move, resulting in a deadly jackknife collision
- Extra weight may put strain on industrial tires, leading to a higher number of blowouts that can cause the semi to fishtail and hit other vehicles
When you are hurt in a collision caused by someone overloading their truck, a seasoned Las Vegas personal injury lawyer at Shook & Stone could help guide you through the legal process to obtain financial restitution.
What Are Your Rights When You Are Hurt in a Collision with an Overweight Semi?
When a trucker causes a crash because they have too much cargo on their vehicle, the injured party may be able to hold them responsible by suing them in court. To have a valid legal claim against them, you should be able to prove that the commercial driver, the company they work for, or the organization that made or serviced their vehicle made a mistake that caused the accident that injured you. For example, you can show that the driver was texting and driving—in violation of Nevada Revised Statutes § 484B.165—and broke the weight-restriction rules, which led to the collision.
According to Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190, you have a specific amount of time to take legal action against the at-fault trucker, their employer, or another party. Typically, the deadline to sue falls within two to three years after the incident, depending on whether you are making a claim based on property damage or physical injuries. That said, there are exceptions that may push this filing date out further or even give you less time to initiate your claim.
A knowledgeable truck crash attorney in Las Vegas could help you understand your right to file a lawsuit against an individual or company for injuring you in a collision involving an overweight commercial vehicle. For example, the lawyers at Shook & Stone could investigate the underlying cause of the incident and request key information to help build a potent case on your behalf. They could also use their training and resources to guide negotiations toward a fair outcome, giving you the best chance of securing a favorable and comprehensive settlement.
Call a Las Vegas Attorney When You Are in a Crash with an Overloaded or Overweight 18-Wheeler
Having to step away from your work, hobbies, and time with loved ones because of a dangerous collision can be frustrating and impose unfair financial burdens on you and your family. While nothing can truly restore you to the position you were in before the incident, seeking justice against those who harmed you may connect you with vital resources needed to rebuild.
The legal professionals at Shook & Stone have years of experience fighting for people harmed in overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Las Vegas. Call our firm today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal needs.
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